The beautifully decorated cover on the cabinet was commissioned by the parish after a British Library recommendation that the Memorial Books would benefit from being protected from deterioration due to light. The Carmelite Nuns at Quidenham, then part of the parish, were approached and Sister Teresa Keswick, now Mother Superior, embroidered it. It was completed in 1983 and has been in place since. All elements of the imagery have a symbolic connection to the Far East, even the colour of the background and the faith which sustained so many. The words are taken from an Appeal letter written by Fr. Cowin and sent to hundreds of relatives of FEPOWs.
On the cover you will notice that bamboo frames each end of the cover. At the bottom barbed wire represents their captivity. However, note that this is severed in the middle which denotes freedom. The text, which encapsulates conditions endured during captivity, is separated by chrysanthemums, a national flower symbol of their Japanese captors, the. It can also be seen that Singapore Orchids are overcoming these flowers; symbolically Good overpowering Evil. Our Lord’s Cross is evident as it was a source of strength in their weakened state, as well as other biblical references, especially the Dove of Peace with its Olive branch in its beak. Further symbolic discovery was made after the cloth was completed. In Japanese mythology a dove with a dagger in its beak signifies the end of hostilities. It would not have been out of place had it been known earlier in its creation.
The cover is part of the heritage of this church, so after taking in its beauty, please lift it to see the Books in the cabinet.